Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup

The beef barley soup fills your kitchen with a heartwarming aroma as it simmers away. The rich, savory scent of beef mingles with the earthy undertones of the barley, making it impossible not to feel cozy and content just standing there. As the ingredients meld together, the vegetables soften, adding a subtle sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory beef. The barley itself soaks up the flavors, becoming tender yet still maintaining just enough bite to give each spoonful a satisfying texture. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up with a bowl and a blanket, and it only gets better the longer it sits. If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), this soup reheats beautifully and tastes even more flavorful the next day. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a big hug in a bowl, and it has this incredible way of bringing everyone together around the table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something comforting on a chilly day, this beef barley soup hits the spot every time.

When it comes to crafting the perfect bowl of beef barley soup, the key lies in the combination of wholesome, hearty ingredients that work together to create a symphony of flavors. Each component plays a unique role, from the rich base of beef broth to the tender texture of barley. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this dish and why these ingredients are essential to its comforting appeal.

Key Ingredients for Beef Barley Soup

Olive oil

A subtle yet important base, olive oil is used to sauté the beef and vegetables, helping to build a rich flavor foundation while adding a hint of smoothness to the broth.

Stew beef

The star of the show, stew beef is cut into cubes that become wonderfully tender as they cook. Its meaty, savory flavor is what gives the soup that satisfying depth.

Onion

A classic aromatic, onion brings sweetness and complexity to the soup. When sautéed, it softens and mellows, adding a natural layer of flavor that forms the backbone of the dish.

Garlic

The perfect complement to onion, garlic infuses the broth with its warm, earthy aroma. It adds a fragrant depth of flavor that enhances the savory beef and vegetables.

Carrots

Carrots contribute a gentle sweetness and a pop of color. Their slight crunch and natural sugars balance out the savory components, making the soup a little brighter and more comforting.

Celery

Celery’s fresh, crisp flavor is essential for adding a subtle earthiness and texture to the soup. It complements the other vegetables and rounds out the flavor profile.

Dried thyme

Thyme brings an herbaceous note to the soup, its earthy and slightly minty flavor enhancing the richness of the beef and barley. It’s one of those herbs that brings everything together.

Salt

Essential for seasoning, salt draws out the natural flavors of the beef, vegetables, and broth, ensuring that every spoonful is perfectly balanced.

Black pepper

A dash of black pepper adds a mild kick of heat that elevates the other ingredients without overpowering them, giving the soup just the right amount of spice.

Bay leaf

Adding a subtle depth of flavor, the bay leaf infuses the broth with its aromatic essence, contributing a slightly floral, herbal note that ties the whole dish together.

Beef broth

The base of the soup, beef broth is what creates that rich, savory foundation. It adds layers of flavor, enhancing the beef’s meaty notes while supporting the vegetables and barley.

Barley

Barley is the heart of the soup, soaking up all the flavors as it cooks. It adds a chewy, hearty texture that makes the soup feel satisfying and filling.

Frozen peas

Peas bring a pop of color and a subtle sweetness to the soup, balancing out the savory ingredients with their mild, fresh flavor.

Fresh parsley

Fresh parsley is the perfect garnish, adding a burst of color and a light, herbaceous freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors of the soup.

How to Make Beef Barley Soup

Serving Suggestions for Beef Barley Soup

Pair with Crusty Bread

There’s something about a warm bowl of soup and a slice of crusty bread that just feels like the ultimate comfort meal. Grab a fresh loaf of sourdough or baguette, and dunk it right into that rich, savory broth. The crunchy exterior and soft, chewy interior of the bread soak up the soup, making each bite even more satisfying.

Top with Grated Parmesan

For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a bit of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. The salty, nutty notes of the cheese add a delightful contrast to the rich, meaty soup, and it melts into the broth, making every spoonful even more delicious.

Serve with a Light Salad

Balance out the hearty, filling nature of the soup with a crisp, fresh salad. A simple mix of greens with a tangy vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the warmth and richness of the beef barley soup. It’s the perfect way to keep things light and bright without overpowering the main dish.

How to Store Beef Barley Soup

To keep your beef barley soup fresh and delicious, the key is proper storage. If you’ve made a big batch and want to enjoy it later (lucky you!), there are a few simple ways to keep it tasting as good as the first time around.

First, let the soup cool down completely before storing it. This helps prevent condensation from forming in the container, which can make the soup watery. Once cooled, transfer it into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just make sure it’s well sealed, so all the flavors stay locked in.

If you want to keep it for a longer stretch, freezing is a great option. Simply portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container since liquids expand when frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stove. It may take a little longer to heat through, but it’ll still be just as comforting.

And if you’re looking to keep things easy, you can also store individual portions in small containers. This makes reheating a breeze, and you’ll have the perfect serving size ready whenever a craving strikes. Just pop it in the microwave or on the stovetop, and it’s as good as new!

Conclusion

And there you have it—your perfect bowl of Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup, all ready to warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this hearty soup is sure to hit the spot. The combination of tender beef, earthy barley, and savory vegetables creates a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Plus, the fact that it gets better the next day means you can look forward to enjoying it all over again.

So go ahead, grab that bowl, and enjoy every spoonful of this soul-satisfying soup. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and, if you do, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Any thoughts or questions? Or maybe some feedback if you give it a whirl? Let’s chat!

Print Recipe

Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 1 hr Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Calories: 450

Description

Hearty and comforting, Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup combines tender beef, earthy barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for cozy nights, this soup is a warm hug in a bowl, with flavors that deepen as it simmers.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 pound stew beef, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 bay leaf

• 8 cups beef broth

• 1 1/2 cups barley

• ¹⁄₂ cup frozen peas

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add one pound of stew beef, cut into one-inch cubes, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
4. In the same pot, add one large diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add three cloves of minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
6. Add two peeled and diced carrots and two diced celery stalks to the pot, and stir to combine.
7. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of dried thyme, one teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of black pepper.
8. Add one bay leaf to the pot, and stir the vegetables and spices together for another minute to enhance the flavor.
9. Pour in eight cups of beef broth, and stir to combine all the ingredients.
10. Return the browned beef to the pot, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
11. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
12. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
13. Add one and a half cups of barley to the pot, stirring it in thoroughly.
14. Continue to simmer the soup for another 30 minutes, or until the barley is tender and cooked through.
15. Stir in half a cup of frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
16. Remove the pot from the heat and discard the bay leaf.
17. Stir in one tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley for a fresh burst of flavor.
18. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
19. Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Note

• Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent the stew beef from burning or sticking to the bottom.
• For extra flavor, sear the beef in batches to ensure even browning.
• Feel free to substitute pearl barley with quick-cooking barley for a faster meal.
• You can add other vegetables like parsnips or potatoes to vary the texture and flavor.
• Let the soup sit for 10-15 minutes before serving for the flavors to meld together.

Keywords: Pioneer Woman beef barley soup recipe, easy beef barley soup, hearty beef barley soup, Pioneer Woman soup recipe, homemade beef barley soup